Binghamton University President Lois DeFleur announced today that Athletic Director Joel Thirer has resigned, effective immediately, and that she is taking “additional actions” regarding BU’s athletic program.

In a press conference this afternoon DeFleur cited four “specific changes.” After announcing Thirer’s resignation as the first, she said the second was appointing James Norris, senior associate athletic director, as interim athletic director. The third was her request to Kevin Broadus, the men’s basketball coach, for a “recruitment and supervision plan” for the basketball program.

Her last announcement was that the University will bring in an “external consultant” to audit the athletic program as a whole in order to ensure that BU follows America East and NCAA policies and procedures.

Thirer took over as athletic director in 1989. DeFleur said that he will be assigned to the Office of the Provost where he will work on undergraduate transfer issues. He issued a statement in which he said that his commitment to the school will remain “steadfast.”

“It has been a privilege to work with the many dedicated administrators and coaches who have served on my staff,” he said in the statement. “I am also grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many talented student-athletes over the years.”